Iowa Health Department Reports First West Nile Death of 2018

Summer is fun--but this isn't.

According to CBS2, an elderly resident of Central Iowa has been reported as the first death from West Nile--a virus commonly spread by mosquito bites--in the state this year.

The Iowa Department of Public Health has not released details on the person, other than to say they are 81 years or older. A second victim, who did not die, was reported as being between the age of 61 and 80.

Several precautions should be taken to avoid West Nile, including:

• Use insect repellent with DEET
• Avoid activities outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most prevalent
• Wear long sleeves and pants (not shorts-kind of uncomfortable in the summer heat, but a precaution that could save your life, nonetheless)
• Always wear shoes and socks outdoors
• Eliminate standing water anywhere in the home

Twelve Iowans were diagnosed with West Nile Virus in 2017, including two deaths.

[Via CBS2]